Skip to main content

Featured

Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Alberta’s Battle River-Crowfoot Byelection Sets Record with 214 Candidates

The adapted ballot being used in the Battle River-Crowfoot federal byelection is seen at an advance polling station in Camrose, Alta., on Aug. 8, 2025.

Voters in Alberta’s Battle River-Crowfoot riding are preparing for a historic federal byelection that has drawn an unprecedented 214 candidates. Among them is Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, seeking a return to the House of Commons after losing his long-held Ottawa-area seat earlier this year.

The rural riding, stretching from Edmonton to Calgary, has been a Conservative stronghold for over a century. Political analysts expect Poilievre to win decisively, though his margin could be tested by Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley and members of the Longest Ballot Committee — a protest group advocating electoral reform.

Due to the sheer number of contenders, Elections Canada is using a blank write-in ballot for the first time in Canadian history. Voters must handwrite their chosen candidate’s name, with minor spelling errors still accepted.

Advance polls have already seen more than 14,000 ballots cast, and the official vote is set for Monday. The outcome will not only determine the riding’s next MP but could also influence perceptions of Poilievre’s leadership heading into his party’s review in January.

Voters are encouraged to confirm election details with trusted official sources before casting their ballots.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment